IARU on emergency communications

The benefits of better communications during disasters has been highlighted at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World '14 held in Doha, Qatar. International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) President Timothy Ellam VE6SH/G4HUA, told those attending of the vital role of radio amateurs during disasters.

At the 4-day international gathering that attracted some 3500 participants, he told how Amateur Radio does not rely on commercial networks, and that hams have the technical know-how to send information during disasters. Recently the volunteer radio amateur response to Typhoon Hagupit was through the HERO (Ham Radio Emergency Operation) network of the IARU member society, Philippines Amateur Radio Association.

Those attending Telecom World '14 are involved in information and communications technology.

In opening, the Director of ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Brahima Sanou, included statistics of 2010-2012 where natural disasters, took than 1.2 million lives and 40 per cent of the world's population was affected. Other speakers showed how their technology is helping to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

(Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee)

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